Can Open RAN Revolutionize 5G Networks Through Multivendor Trials?

September 9, 2024
Can Open RAN Revolutionize 5G Networks Through Multivendor Trials?

The collaboration between Singapore’s StarHub and Japan’s NTT Docomo marks a significant milestone in the telecommunications industry. By integrating multiple vendors’ technologies within StarHub’s commercial 5G network, this ambitious project aims to validate the effectiveness of Open RAN (Radio Access Network). This initiative could disrupt traditional network configurations by championing flexibility, cost-efficiency, and superior performance.

Open RAN technology seeks to break the mold of proprietary telecom hardware and software. Instead of relying on equipment from a single provider, Open RAN promotes a more inclusive, flexible system that welcomes various vendors’ contributions. This open ecosystem is expected to stimulate innovation and competition, ultimately benefiting mobile network operators (MNOs) and consumers alike. StarHub and NTT Docomo’s efforts are a case in point of how this new approach can function in real-world scenarios, pushing the boundaries of what current telecommunications can achieve.

The Partnership and Its Goals

StarHub and NTT Docomo have been tirelessly working on promoting the adoption of Open RAN, a concept that allows for vendor-agnostic software and hardware integration. This collaboration has drawn participation from well-known companies such as Fujitsu, SOLiD, Dell, Wind River, and Nvidia, among others. Together, they aim to showcase the operational readiness and practical benefits of a multivendor ecosystem in real-world environments.

The primary goal of this undertaking is to demonstrate that Open RAN is not only feasible but also advantageous in terms of performance and cost-efficiency. By connecting Docomo’s Orex Open RAN 5G standalone (SA) solution to StarHub’s commercial 5G core, the trial underscores the potential for creating a flexible and dynamic network architecture that can easily adapt to evolving technological needs. This initiative serves to prove that a multivendor setup can deliver the flexibility and cost savings that traditional single-vendor network models often lack.

In addition to technical and operational goals, this collaboration aims to set a precedent for other MNOs interested in exploring the Open RAN landscape. By demonstrating an effective and scalable execution of Open RAN technologies, StarHub and NTT Docomo hope to catalyze an industry-wide shift towards more adaptable and customer-centric network solutions.

Inside the Field Trial

The field trial was a meticulously coordinated effort involving various key technologies. Fujitsu’s RAN software played a crucial role in managing the centralized and distributed units (CU and DU). This setup was further bolstered by Wind River’s cloud platform, Dell servers, and Nvidia GPUs. Additionally, radios from Fujitsu and SOLiD Technologies were integrated seamlessly, while Keysight Technologies supplied UE Simulator technology to conduct performance assessments. The holistic approach to this trial ensured that each component worked harmoniously within a real-world 5G network environment, making the results indicative of what other MNOs might expect should they choose to deploy Open RAN.

The trial not only achieved impressive downlink data speeds of 1.295 Gbit/s and uplink speeds of 73.5 Mbit/s but also maintained latency as low as 15 milliseconds. These results weren’t just numbers on a report; they validated the performance capabilities of Open RAN, showing its readiness to handle the rigorous demands of commercial networks. The trial’s success demonstrated that Open RAN could match and possibly surpass the performance of traditional, proprietary RAN setups.

While performance metrics are crucial, the trial was also a test of operational stability and reliability. Essential services like voice and text messaging were tested and proved to be robust, underscoring the operational readiness of Open RAN for real-world deployment. This validation paves the way for broader adoption and more aggressive rollouts, reassuring skeptics of the technology’s maturity and effectiveness in commercial use cases.

The Role of RAN Intelligent Controller Platforms

With enhanced customizability and optimization, RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) platforms emerged as pivotal components in the trial. These platforms allowed the network to be fine-tuned according to the specific needs of users, thereby enhancing the overall user experience. This capability is especially beneficial for enterprise customers who require high levels of reliability and customization.

RIC platforms provide network operators with greater control and flexibility, enabling them to optimize resource allocation and improve network performance dynamically. By leveraging these platforms, operators can not only meet current demands but also adapt swiftly to future requirements. The evolving nature of technological needs makes the role of RIC platforms indispensable as they offer a way to continuously refine and adapt the network without extensive hardware changes.

The use of RIC also speaks to the broader trend of software-defined networking, which prioritizes software solutions to deliver network functionalities that previously required specialized hardware. This shift towards software and cloud-based solutions provides a more agile and adaptable network structure. In the rapidly changing landscape of telecommunications, such adaptability is invaluable for staying ahead of technological advancements and user demands.

Benefits of Multivendor Collaboration

One of the most striking advantages of Open RAN is the freedom it grants to mobile network operators (MNOs). The ability to integrate various technologies from different vendors eliminates the risk of being locked into a single provider’s roadmap. This multivendor approach not only reduces operational costs but also fosters innovation by drawing on diverse technological expertise. The cumulative knowledge and resources of multiple vendors create a more competitive and dynamic ecosystem, potentially accelerating advancements in network technology.

The successful integration of systems from multiple vendors, including key players like Fujitsu and Dell, into a cohesive and high-performing network framework vividly demonstrates the viability of multivendor collaboration. This kind of setup not only diversifies technological inputs but also ensures a more robust and resilient network architecture. With a multivendor approach, network operators can pick the best solutions from a range of providers, tailored to their specific needs.

Additionally, the flexibility offered by a multivendor network allows MNOs to mix and match components without being bound to one supplier’s product lifecycle or innovation timeline. This freedom translates into a more agile and responsive network that can be quickly updated or modified to meet new challenges or emerging technological trends. Such benefits can significantly bolster the attractiveness of Open RAN for other MNOs evaluating their future network strategies.

Performance Validation and Market Readiness

Achieving high data speeds and low latency in the trial provided crucial performance validation for Open RAN. Furthermore, the successful testing of voice and text messaging services indicates that the technology is mature enough for market adoption. These results should instill confidence in other MNOs considering the switch to Open RAN, highlighting its ability to meet the stringent demands of modern telecommunications.

NTT Docomo’s efforts through its Open RAN Ecosystem Experience (Orex) initiative and the joint venture Orex SAI, formed with NEC, are aimed at propagating their expertise globally. Helping other MNOs like StarHub, Smart in the Philippines, and Ooredoo in the Middle East to adopt and field-test Open RAN strategies showcases their commitment to the global adoption of this innovative approach.

The broader acceptance of Open RAN hinges on its proven capability to deliver exceptional service and integrate smoothly within existing network infrastructures. The performance validation from this trial not only underscores Open RAN’s readiness but also sets a standard for future deployments. Other operators, seeing this success, may be more inclined to explore and ultimately adopt Open RAN solutions, accelerating its market penetration globally.

Future Implications for Telecommunications

The partnership between Singapore’s StarHub and Japan’s NTT Docomo signifies a crucial advancement in the telecommunications sector. By incorporating different vendors’ technologies into StarHub’s commercial 5G network, this groundbreaking project aims to demonstrate the efficacy of Open RAN (Radio Access Network). This initiative has the potential to transform traditional network setups by prioritizing flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and heightened performance.

Open RAN technology endeavors to move away from exclusive telecom hardware and software confines. Instead of depending on equipment from a single supplier, Open RAN fosters a more inclusive, adaptable system that allows input from various vendors. This open architecture is anticipated to drive innovation and competition, ultimately benefiting both mobile network operators (MNOs) and consumers. The collaboration between StarHub and NTT Docomo exemplifies how this novel approach can be applied in real-world contexts, challenging and expanding the boundaries of current telecommunications capabilities.

Such collective efforts are pivotal. They illustrate the potential of Open RAN technology to revolutionize the telecom landscape, making networks more versatile and innovative. This landmark initiative stands to benefit MNOs globally by reducing dependency on single-source vendors and encouraging a more competitive, dynamic market.

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